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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

AARP Legislative Update

On Monday, the Florida Legislature began their two week special session to tackle the $2.3 billion deficit for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2008-2009. The legislature has proposed reductions to home and community-based services with even more extensive reductions to nursing homes. AARP has voiced our concern and disappointment for the proposals and the potential ramifications of such actions. Since elders want to remain in their homes as they age, home and community based care services provide the most desirable cost-effective care. Reductions to nursing homes will likely result in cuts to staffing and quality of care for residents. As the state faces an additional budget deficit for 2009-2010, AARP will continue to work to hold the legislature accountable to examine revenue and efficiency options during the 2009 Legislative Session. To that end, AARP has partnered with the Children's Home Society of Florida, Community Based Care of Seminole, Florida Coalition for Children, Florida Tax Watch and groups across the state to form Florida's People - Florida's Promise. This initiative is asking members of the legislature to think of fresh solutions to the budget deficit as opposed to continued cuts to vital services. We will maintain this work during the 2009 Regular Session. Please visit www.floridaspeople.org to find out more about this initiative including the revenue and efficiency options we have set forth thus far. You may also visit www.aarp.org/fl to learn more about the work AARP is doing here in Florida.